^r^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




New Plays and Entertainments 



BLIND MAN. $.25. Henry Bvarts Gordon. 
Biblical play. 6m. 2f. Three acts. 45 min. 
Blind beggar, cured by Jesus, returning 
joyously home accompanied by maiden who 
has befriended him, finds father and moth- 
er in despair over threatened dispossession 
for non-payment of rent. His mother at first 
slights maiden, who proves to be daughter 
of landlord, who not only accepts young 
man as son-in-law but causes him to be 
restored to synagogue, from which rabbis, 
hostile to Jesus, had cast him out. Tab- 
leau finale shows family kneeling in light 
reflected by approach of Jesus (who does 
not actually appear on stage). 

COUNTY FAIR AT PUNKINVILLE. $.25. 

Farce in 2 scenes. Any number of char- 
acters. 1 hour, or longer, according to spe- 
cialties. Old farmer tells wife and chil- 
dren, instead of going to football game, 
he's going to take them to fair. After 
much talk and many preparations, they ar- 
rive, having exciting and funny experi- 
ences with tight-rope walker, snake- 
charmer, moving-pictures, singers, shoot- 
the-chutes, horse-race. Farmer, asked for 
his purse, gives it to man, but purse is 
restored. Chance for varied costumes and 
all sorts of business and specialties that 
are at county fairs. 

JENKINSES GO TO THE CIRCUS. $.25. 

Sarah Pratt Carr. One-act rural Romp. 
7m. 6f. 45 min. Hard-working Western 
farmer paying off mortgage, after his and 
family's long struggle, uses odd dollars, 
thrown off by mortgagee who feels in- 
debted to farmer's wife for help in sick- 
ness, to buy clothes and toys and to take 
family to circus. Entire action of play is 
in preparations made to start for circus. 
Wife at first suspects husband is out of 
his head; but, learning good news of get- 
ting out of debt, she energetically orders 
around and helps her numerous children 
who cut up all sorts of antics. 

KIDNAPPING. $.25. Helen Clifford Wilbur. 
Children's Comedy. 6f. 45 min. Girls, to 
get even with boys who have offended 
them, play brigands and plot to steal little 
girl whom boys have in play tied fast as 
captive. Girls' written demand on boys for 
ransom money falls into hands of servant 
maid, who takes affair seriously and calls 
for aid on her friendly policeman. Girls 
get out of scrape by helping maid routing 
her rival with policeman, maid explaining 
"It was an April fool joke, only date got 
shlipped a bit." Baby talk, business with 
doll, Irish-dialect by maid. 

LITTLE REBEL. $.25. Harold Strong Lath- 
am. "Sane" Fourth-of-July Play. 28m. If. 
(or 14m., performers doubling their parts). 



Female part may be played by male as 
"Herald of Liberty." Special! suitable 
for schools. Moral of play is that Inde- 
pendence Day should be celebrated in a 
way more rational than by horrible noises 
and dangerous shootings and fireworks. The 
13 original States a: - e represented, each 
having something to say about itself. One 
of the States refuses at first to give up 
old-fashioned way but finally yields. 

LOVE STORY OF UNEEDA AD. $.25. Mat- 
tie Lee Hausgen. Quaint conceit romantic 
comedy in two scenes. 11m. 6f. and supes. 
1 hour. Unique entertainment bringing in 
widely-advertised foods and household 
articles as Uneeda Biscuit, Sapolio, Baker's 
Cocoa, Hiawatha Pure Spring Water, Dutch 
Cleanser, Gold-Dust Twins, Heinz Pickles, 
Ham Devil, McLaren Cheese, Peter's Milk 
Chocolate, Ralston Miller, Dutch Paint, 
Winchester Rifle, Quaker Oats, Swift's Cook, 
etc. Ends in marriage of Pure Food and 
Uneeda, playing of Lohengrin Bridal 
Chorus and tableau of flags of different na- 
tions, and advertising flags; dancing of 
Highland Fling (to bagpipe music), Indian 
dance, Virginia Reel, Cake-Walk, Quaker 
dance. 

MODEL GROWL. $.25. Agnes Electra Piatt. 
Store Window Wax-Figure comedy, lm. 
Sf. 30 min. Scene opens with window- 
trimmer arranging figures and placing pla- 
cards; two shopgirls spat over their re- 
spective admirers, then six wax-figures guy 
one another, sing woman rights song, grab 
window-trimmer when he tries to quiet 
them and forces him to carry banner "I'm 
for Woman's Rights" at end of procession. 

PEDLER OR SPY. $.25. Edward Vassar Am- 
bler. Revolutionary War Military Court- 
Trial and Romance. 19m. (lm. is Wash- 
ington) 3f. 1 hour. Colonial and military 
costumes. British Royal Hussar captain, 
disguised as pedler, entering American lines 
to visit sweetheart, is, through jealous and 
unsuccessful rival, arrested and tried as 
spy, but is acquitted. Comedy parts as 
well as serious trial proceedings. 

PARSON'S GREETINGS. $.25. Gail Kent. 
Two-act romantic comedy, lm. lOf. 1 hi. 
Parson, whose fiancee breaks their engage- 
ment because meddlesome woman church 
member tells her she's not qualified for pas- 
tor's wife, directs maid servant to mail his 
New Year's greetings to lady members of 
congregation; maid mistakingly mails par- 
son's returned love-lettrs, causing ludi- 
crous results, revealed at meeting of sew- 
ing society; parson returning to clear up 
matters and to be reunited with fiancee. 
Maid speaks in Irish dialect. 



Address the Publishers 

EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 

43 East 19th Street, NEW YORK 



The Blind Man 

Biblical Play Based on 
Ninth Chapter of St. John 

6 m, 2f. 

45 minutes 



By HENRY EVARTS GORDON 




£» 



EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 

43 East 19th Street 

NEW YORK 



Copyright, 1912, by Edgar S. Werner 






TNP92-QQ9240 

©CI.D 29506 



The Blind Man 



CHARACTERS 

Elah, the Blind Man. 
Joseph, his father. 
Rebecca, his mother. 
Miriam, his sweetheart. 
Benjamin, Miriam's father and 
owner of dwelling of Joseph. 

A AR0N ' I Rabbis. 
Joshua, J 

Jonas, special messenger 



ACT I. 

Scene is laid in house built Oriental fashion of sun-dried bricks. 
Floor and side-walls are finished with rough plastering of earth; 
ceiling is thatch of roof; door at left leading without; two doors 
at right from within house; single, small window at back sheds 
dim light on scene. Rude table C, couch L., bench R., and other 
furniture suited to combination family-room. 

[From upper door R. young man slowly advances, feeling 
his way to table, where he stands, and, raising his sightless 
eyes, calls:] 

Elah. Mother ! mother ! 

Rebecca [entering lower door /?.]. Thou art awake early, my 
son! 

Elah. I could not sleep. 

Rebecca. Thou art not ill? Shall I bring thee food? 

Elah. Nay, only ill of mind! Eat? I cannot! 

Rebecca. Then lie down again and spend this day in rest. 

Elah. And lose thereby the alms that sustain us? 

Rebecca. Let thy father fare forth in thy stead. 

Elah [bitterly, half to himself]. Day by day to lie in the heat 
and dust of the wayside — and beg ! It troubleth me sore ! Why 
was I ever born? 

3 



4 THE BLIND MAN 

[Aged father, Joseph, enters lower door R. noiselessly 
and stands watching scene.] 

Rebecca. My son, these words sound strange from thee ! 

Elah. Forgive me, mother ! I know not what made me say 
them, unless moved upon by this grievous pain in my eyes ! And 
that I am ill in mind. 

[Elah starts to go out; his father stops him.] 

Joseph. No, my son, lie down! I go in thy place to-day. 

Elah. No, no ! father, thou shalt not ! I am better able than 
thou ! 

Joseph. Rest awhile at home, I entreat thee, and I will hold 
thy place. When the heat of the day is passed; and thou art re- 
freshed, thou mayest come. [Exit L.] 

Elah. What have I done? Mother, call him back! O God, 
what have I become? I send my father forth that I may sit 
in idleness at home. Bring me my staff — I will go and send him 
back! 

Rebecca [detains him]. Nay! It will not hurt thy father to 
go in thy stead for once. But what hath made thee ill in mind ? 

Elah. Mother, last night I dreamed. It was a glorious and 
a hateful dream ! 

Rebecca. Let me hear it, son. 

Elah. I thought my eyes became like the eyes of other men. 
I saw! I was wild with joy! I cried out in ecstacy ! 

Rebecca. Son, son, how pitiful ! 

Elah. Yes, yes, for that cry awoke me, and 1 was yet without 
sight. Most miserable of men am I ! [Falls on bench R. de- 
spairingly. Door L. has been opening slowly; Joseph staggers in 
and falls on couch L. Rebecca runs to him and kneels.] 

Rebecca. Joseph, Joseph, what is it? 

Joseph [feebly]. The heat! Water— quickly ! [Rebecca 
brings him cup of zvater from table.] 

Elah [while Rebecca and Joseph arc speaking, rises and feels 
his ivay to corner R., takes staff and comes toward door L., pans- 



THE BUND MAN 5 

ing C:\. Curse me, father, I am a selfish dog! Thou art old! 
The sun beateth on the highway like fire ! 

Joseph [gaspingly, reviving}. Elah, blame not thyself. The 
water hath already revived me. 

Elah. The water hath revived thee and thy brave example 
hath revived thy son. And now I go. [Exit L. Silence follows. 
Rebecca caresses Joseph, who rises on one elbow and listens to 
sound of the retreating footsteps.] 

Joseph [while Rebecca is speaking pushes aside her hands and 
slowly comes to sitting posture]. "Brave"? Nay, I am weak — 
worthless ! 

Rebecca. Thou judgest not rightly. Thou art already strong 
again. 

Joseph [rising to feet and leaning heavily upon table listens as 
though to make sure Elah has really gone]. Mother, that cannot 
be! 

Rebecca; Why, what secret meaning hath thy words? 

Joseph. I have suffered the pains of death ! I thought I should 
never see this room again. I had not gone a score of steps when 
I was stricken down as one who is pierced with a sword. I crawled 
back on my hands and knees ! 

Rebecca. Be not overcome of fear. Even now thou art re- 
vived ! It was but the withering heat that assailed thee. 

Joseph [Jiis fears allayed, caressing Rebecca]. Thou com- 
forter ! 

[Door L. after quick, loud knock, opens and owner of 
house, one Benjamin, enters.] 

Benjamin [harshly]. Come! Come! Ten pieces of silver for 
the hire of this house ! 

[During this speech Rebecca and Joseph have risen and 
retreated R.] 

Joseph. Alas ! Silver and gold have we none ! Perhaps to- 
morrow 

Benjamin. Then out ye go ! Ye are rich in naught but prom- 
ises of to-morrow and to-morrow ! 



6 THE BUND MAN 

Joseph. Sir, wilt thou not give us a week in which 

Benjamin. Now, or out ye go! 

Joseph [gesture of appeal]. My son is blind and ill. Hard-by 
he lies, begging in the filth of the street. Surely, sir, thou wilt give 
us a week? I may find strength to toil again 

Benjamin. Thou dost not deserve so much as an hour! But 
twenty-four I will give thee. The money then, or go! [Exit L.] 

Rebecca [pitifully]. A blind son! A husband ill and stricken 
in years ! Our habitation to be taken from us ! Oh, God of Israel, 
show mercy. [Kneels in prayer. Joseph sits zmth head bowed 
in hands.] 

[curtain] 



ACT II. 

Scene: Same as Act I. 

Discovered : Joseph and Rebecca sitting on bench R. 

Rebecca [turning to Joseph]. Elah should soon return. 

Joseph [shaking head sadly]. Return but to hear how Benja- 
min will drive us forth. 

Elah [heard outside, his voice ringing with joy]. Mother! 
Mother ! 

[Rebecca and Joseph start up in wonder at sound.] 

Rebecca. The voice of Elah ! But it hath an unaccustomed 
sound ! Like one who knoweth not sorrow ! 

Elah [rushes in L. followed by Miriam]. Mother, mother, 
thy son that was blind ! Behold, he seeth thee ! 

Rebecca [amazed and rejoiced]. Thou seest? Seest thy 
mother's face that never thou hast seen before? 

Elah. Even so ! [Rebecca in joyous amazement advances. 
Elah embraces her, holds her at arm's length, then embraces her 
again. Turns to Joseph.] Thou too, oh, father, whom I now 
behold as thou beholdest me! 

Joseph [embracing him]. How did this marvel come to pass? 



THE BLIND MAN 7 

Elah [turns to Miriam]. Thou, Miriam, speak! 

Miriam [hesitates with maidenly modesty]. I? 

Rebecca [with curiosity]. Who is this Miriam? 

Elah. A maiden fair of face and soft of speech — who hath be- 
friended me with words of cheer when blind I begged upon the 
highway. 

Miriam [checking him, addresses Rebecca]. Nay, I am only 
a passerby who each day in her going and coming hath seen thy 
son at his task. 

Rebecca [waiting for her to continue]. Well? 

Miriam. To-day, when I chanced to be passing, a crowd 
pressed close upon him; and, as I drew near — I saw the wonderful 
thing that was done ! 

Rebecca. Thy story — quickly ! 

Miriam. In the midst of the multitude there was One whose 
face shone with a strange glory ! And a man of the company 
said unto him, pointing toward thy son, "Master, who did sin, 
this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 

Rebecca. And what answer made the One they hailed as 
"Master" ? 

Miriam. He answered them, "Neither hath this man sinned, 
nor his parents, but that the works of God might be made mani- 
fest in him." 

Joseph. He must be a rabbi. 

Miriam. Then He spat upon the ground and made clay of the 
spittal; and, when He had anointed thy son's eyes, He lifted his 
hand as though calling down the power of God : "Go wash in the 
Pool of Siloam !" 

Elah [breaking in]. Mother, I shall never forget that journey! 
This Miriam, whom then I had not seen, led me down to the Pool. 
And when I had washed — I saw men as trees walking; I saw this 
woman, Miriam, more beautiful than the vision of an angel ! 

Rebecca [with some impatience]. Go on — thy story! 

Elah [points to staff]. That staff I took and broke it to pieces, 
and walked and ran and leaped into the air ! Oh, God, I thank 
thee ! My dream of the night hath become the glory of the day ! 



8 THE BLIND MAN 

But, mother, something troubles thee ! Else thou wouldst rejoice 
aloud at my deliverance. 

Rebecca. I do indeed rejoice, but, alas, I must dim thy new- 
found joy and mine by what I have to tell thee. 

Elah [anxiously as she pauses'] . Speak ! 

Rebecca. We no longer have a dwelling-place. To-morrow 
we shall be wanderers upon the highway, for we cannot find the 
wherewithal to pay for shelter. 

Elah [courageously]. Grieve not, mother. Now, that I have 
my sight, I can soon provide for thee, food, shelter, raiment ! 

Rebecca. Alas, we may tarry here only until another day- 
break ! 

Elah. I can borrow until then. 

Rebecca. There is no one to help us ! 

Miriam [gently stepping forward]. Let me be thy friend. 
I will help thee. 

Rebecca [repelling her]. Help from thee? Nay, thou art a 
stranger to our household, and overbold, it seemeth me, for one 
so young! 

Elah [warmly to Miriam]. Thou art overkind, she means. 
Forgive my mother that she speaketh harshly. Sorrow hath tried 
her overmuch. But yet we need not ask thy aid. Straightway I 
will seek out the owner of this house and ask his patience for a 
little time. 

Rebecca [bitterly]. Seek rather some hovel where we may hide 
from the angry face of the man who threatens us. 

Miriam [to Rebecca]. But who so hard of heart as not to 
heed the pleadings of thy son? 

Rebecca. I'll tell thee who. He is a rich merchant, owner too 
of vineyards and of cattle. His name is Benjamin. 

[Miriam starts.] 

Rebecca [turns to Elah]. The day was when thy father had 
lands and gold beyond the Publican who now oppresses us. 

Elah. Publican? Then I fear, indeed, there is no mercy in 
him! 



THE BUND MAN 9 

Miriam. But I do know this Benjamin. And I tell thee that, 
though a Publican, he hath still a heart of grace. I will speak 
with him in thy behalf. 

Rebecca. Thou stranger maid ! I do not trust thy fair prom- 
ises. 

Elah [pained]. Mother, speak not so! 

Miriam. Thou, Elah? Dost thou not trust me? 

Elah. Trust thee? Yea, and more. Thou knowest it without 
the asking. 

Miriam [smiles sweetly on him}. Then I am content. [She 
goes to door and opens it. Jonas is discovered outside.'] 

Jonas [looks toward Elah as he -enters]. Is this the son of 
Joseph the smith? The son who was blind? 

[Miriam slips out.] 

Elah. It is. And what wouldst thou with me? 

Jonas. I am come but now from the Temple where the tale 
of the miracle hath been told. Thou art summoned there. Thou 
and all thy household. 

Elah. Gladly will we go ! Gladly will I testify of the miracle 
and the Shining One that wrought it! 

Jonas [warningly] . Rejoice not overmuch! For I must say 
unto thee that the rabbis distrust thy tale of healing. Their dis- 
pleasure awaits thee if thou failest to persuade them to believe in 
the truth of what thou has to tell them. 

Rebecca [horror-stricken]. The displeasure of the Rabbis? 
Woe to all of our blood ! We call forth but poverty, sickness and 
enmity ! 

Elah. Dost thou forget that now I have the blessing of eyes 
that see? Be of good heart, mother. I fear not the Rabbis. [To 
Jonas.] Tell them the blind man cometh straightway to the syna- 
gogue, to give glory to God for His healing, and testify thereunto. 

[Jonas bozvs and departs. Elah puts arm about his 
mother's neck, and takes hand of Joseph as he stands be- 
tween them.] 

[curtain] 



10 THE BUND MAN 

ACT III. 

Scene: Court of Solomon's Temple. 
Discovered: Two Rabbis who approach and greet each 
other solemnly. 

Aaron. This is the Holy Sabbath of our God. 

Joshua. Bless his Holy Name. 

Aaron. Peace be to all his people. 

Joshua. Which cannot be while this cursed Nazarene doth 
desecrate his Holy City. 

Aaron. Desecrate — his Holy City! 

Joshua. On my way hither to worship, I passed a multitude 
gathered in the street ; and,, when I had asked the cause, I learned 
how that this Jesus of Nazareth had performed the miracle. 

Aaron. Yea ? 

Joshua. They proclaimed that he had made clay of the dust 
of the street and spittal, and anointed the eyes of the blind man 
and had sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. 

Aaron. Thou wast not foolish enough to follow? 

Joshua. Nay, but I left a trusty messenger who will bring me 
full report. I think he comes now. [Jonas enters and makes 
obeisance. To Jonas.] Didst thou summon him hither — him and 
his parents, as I bade thee? 

Jonas. Yea, I did summon him, and he bade me inform thee 
that he will come straightway. [Greatly moved.] He that was 
blind seeth. It was a miracle ! 

Aaron. How ! Be careful, fellow, what thou sayest ! 

Joshua. Thou hast been tricked. But tell us as thou didst 
see it. 

Jonas. I followed him to the Pool; he washed the slime from 
his eyes, and came forth seeing as I do see. 

Aaron. Thou art a fool. It is clear now that this fellow was 
never blind — a lying beggar ! 

Joshua. Who takes our Holy Sabbath as a day in which to 
pollute the minds of our people? Thou hast done well, Aaron, — 
this fellow cannot escape us now. [To Jonas.] Thou art free to 
go hence until we have need of thee. [Exit Jonas.] 



THE BLIND MAN 11 

Aaron. But what of the miracle-worker — this Jesus, what of 
him? 

Joshua. He should die! 

Aaron. Thou art a righteous judge. Not in the memory of 
living man hath one wrought such havoc in the holy ordinances 
of our sacred Church. 

Joshua. He eateth and drinketh with Publicans. He maketh 
sinners his daily companions. He consorteth with harlots. 

Aaron. He breaketh our Holy Sabbath ! He defieth the laws ! 
He preacheth false doctrines in the synagogues ! 

Joshua. Thou dost recall how he defied us at the last Feast 
Day? 

Aaron. Let there be no failure this time! 

Joshua. But what if indeed he maketh the blind to see? 

Aaron [with reproach]. Hath the lie touched even thee? 

Joshua. Many of the people believe in him. 

Aaron. Bah ! 

Joshua. They call him a prophet. 

Aaron [scornfully] . A prophet out of Gallilee? 

Joshua. I am not his advocate. I repeat but what I hear. 

Aaron. 'Tis well! Thy forgiveness, if I seemed to doubt 
thee ! 

Joshua [offended]. Thou didst seem to doubt me! 

Aaron. Nay, hear me out. I spake in haste. Let us not 
quarrel in this matter. Nicodemus is for him. Others are weak- 
ening. We must be firm — but, look, here they come ! 

Joshua. Do thou lead in questioning them. 

[Enter Elah, Joseph and Rebecca.] 

Aaron. What is thy name, fellow? 

Elah. Rabbi, my name is Elah, son of Joseph, the smith. 

Aaron. Art thou the fellow who hath been breaking the peace 
of this Holy Sabbath with thy false story of a miracle. 

Elah. Know ye not that I was born blind? 

Aaron. How is it, then, that thou dost now see? 

Elah. A man named Jesus put clay upon mine eyes. I did 
wash, and do see. 



12 THE BLIND MAN 

Joshua. This Jesus is not of God because he keepeth not the 
Sabbath day. 

Aaron. What sayest thou of him, that he opened thine eyes? 

Elah. He is a prophet! 

Aaron. Blasphemer ! 

Joseph [advancing]. Let not thy judgment be over-hasty, sirs! 

Aaron [to Joseph]. Is this thy son who ye say was born blind? 

Joseph. This is our son. 

Rebecca. And blind from birth. 

Aaron. How doth he now see? 

Joseph. But by what means he now seeth we know not; he is 
>i age, ask him ; he shall speak for himself. 

Aaron [to Elah]. Dost give God the praise? Or dost give 
honor to a sinner for thy healing? 

Elah. Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not; one thing 
I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 

Joshua. Repeat thy story and with care; what did he to thee? 
how opened he thine eyes? 

Elah. I have told thee already, and didst thou not hear? 
Wherefore wouldst thou hear it again? Believing it — ye would 
also be his disciples. 

Aaron. Thou art his disciple 

Joshua. We are Moses's disciples ; as for this fellow, we know 
not from whence he is ! 

Elah. Why, herein is a marvelous thing, that ye know not 
from whence He is and yet He hath opened mine eyes. Now we 
know that God heareth not sinners; but, if any man be a wor- 
shipper of God, and doeth His will, him He heareth. Since the 
world began it was not heard that any man opened the eyes of 
one that was born blind. If this man were not of God he could 
do nothing. Therefore He is a holy man — a prophet. Learn ye 
of Him! 

Aaron. Thou lying beggar ! Thou wast altogether born in sin, 
and dost thou teach us? Away with thee! [Takes Elah by 
shoulder and thrusts him from the court.] 



THE BLIND MAX 13 

Joshua [to Rebecca]. Let him not come again to the syna- 
gogue. He is a sinner and accursed ! 

Rebecca. Accursed? Woe! Woe is me! 

[Joshua points to R. and Joseph and Rebecca exit wail- 
ingly. Rabbis stand looking after them.] 

[curtain] 



ACT IV. 

Scene : Same as in Act I. 

Discovered : Joseph and Rebecca. Joseph is reclining 

on couch L., Rebecca is across the table from him with 

her head resting thereon. 

Rebecca [raising head]. He is dead to us! Our only son cast 
out of the synagogue ! 

Joseph. But his sight — he has received his sight ! 

Rebecca. Would to God he were blind and all were as yester- 
day — this day is accursed ! 

Joseph. Rebecca, mother, say not so. I cannot think their act 
as lawful. It should have come to the knowledge of the San- 
hedrim. 

Rebecca. Joshua and Aaron rule there. No, the curse of God 
is upon us ! We dare not harbor our son lest we too be cast out. 

Joseph. Thou dost not speak wisely. Let us wait with patience 
for better days, for this our son that was blind now seeth. 

[Door opens admitting Miriam, followed by Benjamin.] 

Rebecca. Begone, thou harlot, what have we to do with thee? 
Thou hast brought on us the curse of God. [Sees Benjamin.] 
Sir, let that woman out ! 

Benjamin. Herein is a marvelous thing; my daughter cometh 
bearing precious gifts and goeth bearing curses? Miriam, daugh- 
ter, thy mercies are not meet for such as these. 

Rebecca [amazed]. Thy daughter? 

Joseph [coming C] Sir, my wife is crazed with grief, and 
knows not what she saith. Not an hour ago they did drive Elah 



14 THE BUND MAN 

from the synagogue, like one who hath the plague! This hath 
added to the sum of her sorrows until her heart is broken — for- 
give 



Miriam [gently]. Say no more. I knew well that some terri- 
ble grief had befallen thee. And Elah is cast out ! [Father and 
daughter exchange knowing glances.] That were enough to break 
a mother's heart. Forgiveness is thine without the asking. My 
father bids me say to thee, let not thine hearts be troubled, for 
my father's friend, Nicodemus, hath granted Elah employ, so 
that he payeth all thou owest, and more ! 

Joseph. Nicodemus ! Then there is hope ! His word count- 
eth much in the synagogue ! 

Benjamin. My influence with Nicodemus is not small and it 
shall be given to thy son. He will see to it that he hath a trial 
with a fair hearing and impartial judgment. 

Rebecca. Oh, sir, thou dost heap coals of fire on my head. 

Benjamin. Say not so — I am but the heart of Miriam. As 
that speaketh, I speak. 

[Door L. opens and Elah enters. He seems strange, 
showing unwonted dignity, sweetness and poise.] 

Elah. Mother, father, Miriam ! [To Benjamin.] Horibred 
friend, I salute thee! [Benjamin bozvs gravely.] Thou art 
welcome, and I do thank thee for thy word in my behalf with Nico- 
demus whom I did meet on my way thither. [Turns to Rebecca.] 
Mother, wilt thou not embrace Miriam? She who will be my 
beloved bride? 

Rebecca [surprised]. Thy bride? 

Elah. Even when I was blind and beggared, she looked on me 
with favor, and hath persuaded her father to accept me as a son. 

Miriam [advancing to Rebecca] . And I will be a true and lov- 
ing daughter to thee if thou wilt give me an abiding place in thine 
affection. 

Rebecca. Thou hast ever deserved that place, and now it is 
thine. Daughter! [They embrace.] 

Elah. And now I pray you will all be seated while I make 



THE BLIND MAN 15 

known what befell me while I lay outside the temple gate where 
the Rabbis had thrown me. 

Miriam. As in a vision I see what befell thee. There came 
a man who spake as never mortal spake to thine ears before — 
Jesus of Nazareth ! 

Elah. Thou art right. Thou art ever right, good Miriam! 
As I looked into His face He smiled and said, "Dost thou believe 
on the Son of God ?" And I replied in mine ignorance — "Who is 
he, Lord, that I might believe?" And then His face did glow as 
He said, "Thou hast both seen Him, and it is He that talketh with 
thee." Then His countenance became transfigured that I could no 
longer look upon it, and I bowed to the dust before Him and 
cried, "Lord, I believe !" He is the Christ ! Oh, believe, believe 
all of ye, for thy very souls' welfare, this IS the Christ! Believe 
Him, for the very work's sake. Was I not born blind ? 

Rebecca [zvonderingly]. And He gave thee sight by the touch 
of His hand ! 

Joseph. Would we might see and thank Him for His great 
kindness unto thee and us ! 

Miriam [to Benjamin]. Father, wilt thou too not confess? 

Benjamin [gravely]. My heart is strangely drawn to this un- 
known Saviour ! 

Elah. Magnify the Lord ! Rejoice in God the Saviour ! For 
even now Jesus of Nazareth cometh to bless this house. Miriam, 
thou and I together to receive that blessing — which kneeling we 
shall each and all receive. 

[Takes Miriam by hand. They go to door and throw it 
open. A bright light streams in. Elah and Miriam kneel 
by door. Others kneel in background.} 

Elah [speaks reverently as in the Presence]. Master! 

[curtain] 



The Famous Monologue 

ZINGARELU, 
Wild Gipsy Flower=Girl 

ARRANGED WITH MUSICAL ACCOMPANIMENT 

Poem by Ed, L. McDowell. Music by P. Giorza 



Sri sheet music form, Price, $1.50 



SPECIAL NOTICE 

ZINGARELLA is issued: 

1— With musical accompaniment. In sheet music form (no 
lesson-talk). Price, $1.50. 

2. — With lesson -talk, with full directions for reciting. Words 
only, no music. In 200-page book (collection of superior 
recitations). Price, $.60 in cloth binding; $.35 in paper 
binding. 

3.— In separate leaflet form. Words only, no music, no lesson- 
talk. Price, $.15. 

N. B. — Be sure to state which of these editions you wish, and send 
right price. 



Story of Zingarella 

Dramatic tragic character sketch verse acting monologue. 15 minutes long when words 
only are recited; longer when recited with music. Tame lion, set by gipsy girl on truant 
lover, is crazed by taste of human blood and attacks her, she jumping into sea and, 
although rescued, loses reason and turns flower-girl. 



Send orders direct to Publishers 

Edgar S. Werner & Co., 43 East 19th Street, New York 



ILLUSTRATED 

PANTOMIMES 

Photographs from Life. Full Direc- 
tions for Pantomiming and Reciting 



ABIDE WITH ME $ .35 

AT THE GOLDEN GATES.... 1.00 

CALVARY 50 

COMIX' THRO' THE RYE 25 

CONQUERED BANNER 35 

COURTIN', THE (No. 2) 35 

DANCE OF MIST MAIDEN 

("Maid of Morning Mist")... 1.00 
EASTER LILIES FOR EASTER 

TIME 25 

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HOLY CITY 35 

I DON'T KNOW 15 

FSE BAD 35 

FSE DOOD 35 

JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL. .50 

LADY CLARE 35 

LAST ROSE OF SUMMER 35 

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT 25 

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THEE $ .35 

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SEVEN TIMES ONE 35 

SOUTHERN HOMESPUN 

GOWN 25 

STAR-SPANGLED BANNER... .35 
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at Home") 25 

SWORD OF ROBERT E. LEE. 1.00 
WHERE ARE YOU GOING, 

MY PRETTY MAID? 35 



IN ADDITION TO ABOVE, WE HAVE OTHER FINE PANTOMIMES, 
NOT ILLUSTRATED, BUT FULLY DESCRIBED. 

Send for Special List. 



Send Orders Direct to Publishers 

EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 
43 East 19th Street, New York 



tShe YELLOW 

00 PE,FJL 00 




Words by ALICE BRANDON CALDWELL Music by ANNIE LAURIE NAME 

Comic ©peretta in Cijree Sets 

PRICE, $1.00 NET 




EDGAR S. WERNER <S COMPANY 

Copyright, 1906, by Edgar S. Werner s& <& & All Heights Reserved 



